Ulster Unionist Education Spokesperson, Rosemary Barton MLA, has called on the Department of Education to carry out an immediate and independent review of the EA’s handling of Special Educational Needs requests. It follows several allegations of improper and dysfunctional practices by the EA.   

Rosemary Barton, a former teacher for over 30 years, said:

“The recent allegations of how the EA is processing and treating the requirements of children and young people with Special Educational Needs behind the scenes, are appalling.

“It is an outrage that children’s lives and educational journeys are being hindered so callously.

“Failing to stamp applications in an attempt to manipulate response times is a particularly disturbing accusation and I have contacted the Education Authority demanding that, if true, the practice is stopped immediately and that those officials behind it are held to account for their actions.  

“Over recent months I have been working with several families who were desperately waiting for the EA to put in place the necessary support packages for children with Special Educational Needs. I have seen first-hand the delays, the broken promises and general chaos within the Education Authority. The entire system is broken so I believe it urgently needs total reform.

“As its funder, and as the body with overall statutory responsibility for the needs of school children, I believe the Department of Education must now intervene and carry out a major review of how the Education Authority is responding to SEN requests at present, including putting an immediate end to the alleged improper practices, and how it is going to do so in the future.”